Challenges in the Electronics Manufacturing Sector

The electronics manufacturing sector, a significant success story of the Make-in-India initiative, is currently experiencing manpower challenges at various levels.

Workforce Shortage

• There is a shortage of both blue-collar workers on the shop floor and top-tier engineering talent.
• The smartphone industry, especially those embracing AI and robotics, is facing acute manpower challenges.

Projected Workforce Needs

• By FY27-28, the sector will require approximately 12 million people.
• Currently, there is a skill gap expected to affect around 10 million individuals by FY25.
• Only 30% of technical graduates are deemed industry-ready in advanced manufacturing.

Technological Advancements and Challenges

• The adoption of newer technologies is widening the talent demand-supply gap.
• Approximately 350,000 people are employed in mobile phone manufacturing, with capacities doubling annually.
• 20% of new roles require advanced technical skills, double the demand from the previous year.

Industry Competition and Infrastructure

• The electronics manufacturing sector competes with technology and healthcare sectors for skilled workers.
• Few technical institutes offer practical training facilities, necessitating heavy investment in skill development.

Regional and Skill-Specific Challenges

• For blue-collar workers, the main challenge is matching demand with local supply in specific regions.

Efforts are being made to collaborate with colleges and leverage government initiatives to bridge the skill gap, but scaling these efforts will require phased progress and global partnerships.